Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Alabama
Based on 570+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$117,870
$56.67/hr
vs National Average
$133,027
-11.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $174K
570 employed in Alabama
Computer and Information Research Scientists in Alabama earn a median salary of $108,180 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 540 workers employed in this field across the state, the position represents a specialized career path in technology research and development. However, this median falls about 18% below the national average for the role.
Several factors influence Computer and Information Research Scientist salary in Alabama, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Research positions at universities, government agencies, and private tech companies often offer different compensation levels. Geographic location within the state, specific research specialization, and the availability of advanced positions also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential within this field.
Salary Distribution — Computer and Information Research Scientist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,290 |
| 25th percentile | $80,600 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $117,870 |
| 75th percentile | $149,800 |
| 90th percentile | $174,030 |
Top H-1B Employers for Computer and Information Research Scientist in Alabama
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Alabama — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Alabama in Huntsville | 3 | $95,325 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Top-Paying Industries for Computer and Information Research Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer and Information Research Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer and Information Research Scientists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $214,370 | 4K |
| Wholesale Trade | $178,640 | 810 |
| Manufacturing | $177,580 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $166,880 | 160 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $163,290 | 530 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer and Information Research Scientist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,830 |
| 2023 | $102,250 |
| 2024 | $108,180 |
| 2025 | $117,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,942 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,830 | $120,162 |
| 2023 | $102,250 | $127,853 |
| 2024 | $108,180 | $131,937 |
| 2025 | $117,870 | $133,027 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,942 | $141,009 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,600 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $117,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $149,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $174,030 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Computer and Information Research Scientist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Computer and Information Research Scientist ($117,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer and Information Research Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in AL | $138,670 | +17.6% | $66.67/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in AL | $136,990 | +16.2% | $65.86/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in AL | $130,810 | +11.0% | $62.89/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in AL | $122,730 | +4.1% | $59.00/hr |
| Software Developer in AL | $122,540 | +4.0% | $58.91/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in AL | $115,630 | -1.9% | $55.59/hr |
| Software Engineer in AL | $106,330 | -9.8% | $51.12/hr |
| Database Administrator in AL | $105,450 | -10.5% | $50.70/hr |
| Data Scientist in AL | $103,120 | -12.5% | $49.58/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in AL | $101,770 | -13.7% | $48.93/hr |
| Computer Programmer in AL | $93,800 | -20.4% | $45.10/hr |
| Network Administrator in AL | $81,400 | -30.9% | $39.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer and information research scientists make in Alabama?
- Computer and information research scientists in Alabama earn a median salary of $108,180 per year, or $52 per hour. This is about 18% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for research scientists in Alabama?
- Salaries for computer and information research scientists in Alabama range from $56,360 at the lower end to $159,140 at the upper end, depending on experience and qualifications.
How many computer research scientists work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 540 computer and information research scientists currently employed in Alabama.
Is the Alabama research scientist salary lower than the national average?
- Yes, the median salary of $108,180 in Alabama is 18% lower than the national average for computer and information research scientists.